Free TV Licence at 75 – only if you or your partner get Pension Credit

You can get a free TV Licence if you are 75 or over and you, or your partner who lives with you, get Pension Credit. You can apply when you are 74 if you already get Pension Credit.

Deadline: No fixed deadline
Last checked: Checked against the official source: 20 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? There is no deadline, but you pay for your licence until you are covered by the free one.

Being 75 is not enough on its own. You also need to get Pension Credit, or live with a partner who gets it. The free licence covers everyone living at your address.

How to do it

Check whether you or your partner get Pension Credit. If not, check if you might be eligible for it.
Apply for a free licence online or by phone with TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071.
If you apply at 74, keep paying until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.
After that, you are covered by your free licence.

Common questions

Do all over-75s get a free TV Licence?

No. You need to be 75 or over and get Pension Credit, or live with a partner who gets it.

Are there other TV Licence discounts?

Yes. You can get 50% off if you are registered blind or live with someone who is. Some people in eligible care homes or sheltered housing can get a licence for £7.50.

Official source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

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This information is not legal or tax advice.